Willow Creek
RV Guide
Introduction
Willow Creek Dam, located in Morrow County, Heppner, Oregon, is the first major dam constructed in the US using roller-compacted concrete. Located just outside the city limits of Heppner, Willow Creek Dam has a drainage basin of close to a hundred square miles. The lower basin of the dam consists of arid rolling hills while the Umatilla National Forest surrounds the upper basin.
The lake was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers between 1981 and 1983 with the original purpose of storing water and controlling flood damage. Later, the purpose expanded to recreation, wildlife, fishing, and irrigation uses.
This dam impounds Willow Creek and creates Willow Creek Lake. During flash flooding, the dam catches the floodwaters and stores it. It only slowly releases it after the flood until the lake returns to its maintained elevation of 2,063 feet.
Additionally, Willow Creek Lake is also a tremendous adventurous spot for families and friends to enjoy outdoor activities, water-based activities, picnicking, or just some time relaxing and glamping under the open skies. While the US Army Corps of Engineers do not maintain any recreation area or public access point at Willow Creek, several areas are maintained along the shores of the lake for visitors to enjoy.
RV Rentals in Willow Creek
Transportation
Driving
Willow Creek Dam is about a two-hour drive from Hot Lake, Oregon. If you are approaching from Hilgard Junction State Park, get on Interstate 84 W/US-30 W from OR-244. Follow the Interstate-84 towards West all the way to the Umatilla County. Take the exit at 182 from Interstate-84 W.
Follow OR-207 South to Cowins Street in Heppner and you’ll reach your destination.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Willow Creek
Campsites in Willow Creek
Reservations camping
Willow Lake Park and RV Campground
Willow Creek RV Park is not maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. Instead, the authority is handed to Heppner Parks and Recreation. The Willow Lake Park and RV Campground are situated by the lake nearly a half-mile up Willow Creek Road.
This RV park boasts 24 campsites for RVs, motorhomes and big rigs as long as 50-60 ft. The campsites are all pull-through and two of them have back-in only campsites. The park offers activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and of course camping. Some sites offer electric hookups only, whereas others have both electric and water hookups. Amenities at the campground include picnic tables, boat launch, showers, restrooms, and BBQ pits. All the campsites are pet-friendly as long as pets are kept on leash.
Seasonal activities in Willow Creek
In-Season
Boating
With such a large body of water comes the inevitable luxury of boating. Boating on Willow Creek Lake is hugely popular in Morrow County, and it's not hard to see why. The concrete boat launch and boat docks provide easy access to the lake waters, and there's something truly relaxing about spending a day out on the lake. Campers can dock their boats overnight and enjoy boating and other water-based recreational activities while they are camping close by.
Fishing
Willow Creek Lake offers some fantastic spots for fishing whether it be from shore or from a boat. One of the primary species of fish that anglers seek to catch here is Rainbow Trout along with the resident largemouth bass and crappie. When the water warms, the fish retreat to the south end of the reservoir where the water is the deepest. Coves located deep below the surface offer the ideal hunting grounds for predator fish like bullhead catfish, and some scarce yellow perch that can also be caught at Willow Creek Lake.
Hiking
The surrounding regions of Willow Creek host a variety of hiking, biking and equestrian trails for visitors to enjoy. Some of the more popular hiking trails include Trail No. 3063 and Bald Mountain Trail No. 3058 which are both around seven and a half miles long.
The loop trail near Heppner, Oregon features pretty wildflowers and is moderate in difficulty if you are looking for a more leisurely hiking experience. This trail is also open to pets and equestrians. The best time of the year to hike this trail is between April and October. Some remnants of old coal mining can also be seen along the trail as well as plenty of scenic views and wildlife.
Off-Season
Wildlife
Willow Creek Lake supports the habitat and lifestyle of a wide array of wildlife. Some common mammals and waterfowls you might come across at the Willow Creek Lake are buffleheads, osprey, and Canada Geese. During your hike, you might even come across many beavers and ducks lounging close to the shoreline.
Willow Creek Lake winds all the way through the hills and travels upwards towards the famous Blue Mountains. There are several outcroppings of columnar basalt lining the highway and a little out of town, there is a basalt knob that shelters a family of goats. In fact, many animals graze the steep hills next to Willow Creek Lake, and you might even spot elk and deer in the foothills and riparian zones.
Birdwatching
Willow Creek Lake and its surrounding areas support the lifestyle of many wild animals and birds too enjoy this diverse landscape. Native and migratory birds can often be seen soaring above the woods or diving into the lake waters to feed on the vast species of fish that thrive in its depths.
Chukars, Sharptail grouse, American kestrel, and California quail can often be seen scurrying about on the sides of the road. Keep your eyes open during your ride to Willow Creek Lake and you are bound to spot them. Keep your cameras ready too if you’re a photographer. And make sure to look up at the trees. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot bald eagles who often like to observe the surroundings below from their comfortable, high perches.
Photography
Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor, which runs alongside Highway 395 near Willow Creek Lake, is a winding road surrounded by dense forest. This scenic corridor of nature allows for a gorgeous drive that overwhelms you with colors and fragrance. This entire region is a nature photographers dream as it contains many diverse habitats, terrains, and ecosystems that are flourishing with life and make for truly remarkable pictures.
